Tuesday 13 May 2014

Who are you copying OR Who is your Mentor?

Recently my little boy did something that cracked me up. I announced I was going to have a shower and he said he wanted to join me. So, like the mother I am, not being able to resist his tears, I allowed him. We got to the bathroom and as I put on my shower cap, he said “Mummy, cap me”. He wanted to wear a shower cap as well, and he wasn’t taking no for an answer. So I gave him one and he wore it immediately, feeling proud of himself that he looked just like mummy (Yeah yeah I know, I’m a mother. We all have that soft spot, don’t we? *grin*)
But this got me thinking about the term ‘Copycat’. Very common among us women, we tend to copy each other a lot! Sis A is in the choir, so I join too because she is not the only one that should be visible, after all I can sing too. Sis B now has a boutique and travelled to Dubai to get new stock. Next thing you know, you are saving real hard to go to Dubai and start a fashion business too. Or how about when Sis D gets married before you? That automatically gives you a boost to ensure you settle with the next available man, after all you must always be a step ahead of Sis D!!
You know what I’m talking about don’t you? That urge to show that you can’t always be outdone, the need to always measure up by copying what others are doing, even if you don’t have the capacity to do so, that spirit of ENVY.
Why do we feel the need to copy others? Most of the time it’s because you haven’t discovered yourself. You see, every individual is unique in their own way. You were created to fulfill God’s purpose for you. The lack of revelation of that purpose makes you doubt who you are and you find yourself copying others, going into a line of business that doesn’t concern you, striving to do things that are absolutely out of your league just in the bid to measure up. Women are most guilty of this! And truth is when you do this, the bible calls you unwise!!!
2 Corinthians 10:12: We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise NIV
When you find yourself making comparison to someone else’s progress, success or even lifestyle, wisdom flies out of the window thereby giving room for envy to breed in your heart. When you copy someone else, not because you are encouraged by them, but because you feel the need to do what they do, you are envious. And when envy sets in, you are well on your way to committing more sins!!!
James 3:16 : For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice NIV
Have you discovered yourself? Instead of the energy and time you spend checking out what the latest that sister has done is, why not spend it on improving yourself, discovering yourself, fulfilling your own purpose? That is what gives true satisfaction and you have the tenacity to endure in the face of discouragement if you are doing that which God called you to do – whether it be ministry, business, career in the corporate world or even a stay-at-home mum! There will be no hidden pressure, and even though you are not where you hope to be yet, you are sure you are on your way with God on your side.
You see, my son looked real cute in that shower cap, but the truth is he had NO NEED of it! As a boy, he needs to be able to let water run down his hair to enjoy his shower. Looking cute and happy was what he gained in exchange for what should be his experience. And he just wanted to do what mummy did. But wearing that shower cap didn’t make him mummy.
Well, he’s just a child. What about you? I hope you get the message!
1 Peter 2:1 - Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
Ephesians 5:1 - Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.

By sis Deby

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